Oxford Hawks U18 Boys Vs Reading – 03.11.24

A local derby is always a great opportunity to test the togetherness and gumption of the squad, and very pleasingly the Oxford Hawks U18 Boys Squad stepped up to put in a performance our hockey community should be proud of!

Building on excellent work from Oli C to create a short corner, Freddie W popped a neat flick into the backboard to get us going.  Another great shortie flick from Freddie W followed some penetrating creative flair from Leo, who also scored himself to finish a great short corner routine – right off the training ground!  Fraser was at his brilliant direct best ( a deserved MOM) to create that shortie, and put one on a plate for Sam Forman too.  Fraser topped off the scoring to secure a 5-2 win.

Everyone in the squad contributed across the pitch – Leo E stood firm between the sticks, making some incredible saves when called upon.  Willo made penetrating runs down the right wing, maintaining a great shape to give us an outlet when under pressure.  Freddie YS, Lawrence, and Xavier reigned supreme at the back, cooly soaking up attempts to drive into our D.  Freddie YS even cleared a high ball with his head.  Ben Cuthbert provided the screen constantly, and the created the midfield platform for Fraser and Leo to drive our attacks, feeding Oli C, Ed and Orlando who all led runs that sliced through the Reading back line.  Special manager’s mention for embodying the team spirit across the squad goes to Trystan, who despite a broken collarbone, made the trip to Berkshire to support and coach from the sideline.  Just brilliant!

Highlights for the management team included the intensity, the creativity, the on-pitch tactical awareness and the evident sense of enjoyment throughout. Oh, and the fact that they even listened to the team talks before and after the game – remarkable!!!  The ability to play creative, penetrating hockey, combined with next-level creativity and flair alongside direct ‘crash-ball’ impact when the opportunity allowed, highlighted the maturity developing in the squad.  All competed hard and fair, with only a couple of umpire-suggested sit downs for Bertie and Sam.  Great to watch!  You should all be checking out the fixture list to book your tickets for the next home game